Frank Kurtis' Vukovich "Roadster" Artist's Model
This is an alabaster model built by the man himself. Still has pencil marks and dust, same as it left his bench. Wheels are made of wood and the fenders are steel.
Frank Kurtis built his first Indianapolis 500 race car in 1941, and his cars won the race in 1950 and 1951. For 1952 he built the first "Roadster" for driver Bill Vukovich. Kurtis' innovation was to offset the engine 9" left of the centerline, so that the driveshaft ran left of the driver's seat rather than beneath it. This allowed for a lower center of gravity, better aerodynamics, and better tire wear on Indy's left turns. The car was called a "Roadster" because the driver sat low, with shoulder-high bodywork on the left side, resembling a street hot rod.
19" long. Weighs about 20 lbs.